Jon Super / AP

Proof that life as a royal isn’t all jewelry-rattling and caviar-nibbling, Prince William and his blushing bride-to-be Kate Middleton performed a bit of royal duty on Thursday, making a rare public appearance in Anglesey, Wales, to christen Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station’s brand-new lifeboat, the “Hereford Endeavour.”

Departing slightly from tradition, Middleton – sporting a fetching feathered hat – demurred from smashing a bottle of champagne against the vessel, opting instead to pour the sparkling beverage regally over its bow. As the “Hereford Endeavor” is inflatable, cracking a bottle on it would have proven a challenging task, let alone possibly damaging for the craft.

“They are a lovely couple,” said Jean Critchley, 63, who witnessed the nautically noble ceremony first hand with her husband and grandson. “He is a great lad and she is a beautiful girl.”

This lifeboat dedication is only the second public appearance the couple has made since the announcement of their engagement in November.

With reporting from the Associated Press.